City leaders said the move comes amid heightened concerns about federal immigration activity tied to upcoming regional events, including the World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve seen a Sunnyvale family hiding from ICE officers demanding warrantless entry, with children watching fearfully from the windows,\u201d\u00a0 resident Stuart Norton said at the meeting. \u201cThe stakes here are incredibly high, and any limitations we can place are absolutely worthwhile.\u201d<\/p>\n Advocates framed the policy as part of a broader regional effort. They see this action as strengthening trust and safety in immigrant communities where residents are afraid to attend city meetings, shop at local businesses<\/a> and go to school<\/a>. Some undocumented residents have chosen to self-deport<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are adding to that powerful protection by establishing this policy here in Sunnyvale and being a role model for other cities across the county,\u201d Akemi Flynn, managing director of the Immigrant Protection & Empowerment Network, said.<\/p>\n Some advocates urged the council to go further, warning against any level of cooperation with federal immigration authorities.<\/p>\n \u201cThere should be absolutely no information sharing with federal immigration enforcement,\u201d Huy Tran, executive director of Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN), said.<\/p>\n Tran said even limited guidance could assist agents, and he warned that when immigration agents execute court orders, they may detain additional individuals beyond the intended target \u2014 underscoring the need for city employee training.<\/p>\n Not all residents are convinced the policy will have a meaningful impact. One resident said federal agents may have more power then acknowledged and adopting the policy is just for show.<\/p>\n \u201cFederal law enforcement doesn\u2019t recognize your authority to regulate their actions,\u201d Zachary K, who did not share his full last name, said at the meeting. \u201cWhat then? Summoning (the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety) to the scene? \u2026 Are you providing a false sense of security? You will probably score some political points with it.\u201d<\/p>\n Councilmembers acknowledged the limits and significance of the measure, but reassured residents it\u2019s more than just a policy being passed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe cannot control federal policy and action, but we can control our values,\u201d Mayor Larry Klein said. \u201cThis is a step toward ensuring our community feels safe and supported.\u201d<\/p>\n
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